The term Main Menu is often found in Xiaomi device instructions, but it’s not always clear what it means. On smartphones, TVs, and even the brand’s smartwatches, the term can have different meanings, from the basic settings interface to the hidden engineering sections. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at where the Main Menu is on different Xiaomi devices, what features it hides, and how to use it properly to avoid damaging the system.
The peculiarity of Xiaomi is that the manufacturer actively uses customized shells — MIUI for smartphones, PatchWall for TVs, Zepp OS Each of these interfaces, the Main Menu is organized in a different way, like on Mi TVs. TV It could be a button on the remote, and on smartphones, it could be a hidden section for developers, and we've gathered all the relevant information for 2026, including the nuances for the latest firmware versions.
What is Main Menu on Xiaomi TVs (Mi) TV, Redmi TV)
On Xiaomi TVs (Mi series) TV 4S, Mi TV Q2, Redmi Smart TV Main Menu is a central control hub that opens with a Menu button on the remote. Unlike smartphones, the menu is as simplified as possible for ease of use with remote control:
- 📺 Signal sources (HDMI, AV, TV-antenna)
- ⚙️ System settings (sound, image, network)
- 📁 Media Center (photo, video, music with USB or DLNA)
- 🎮 Game mode (for connected consoles or keyboards)
- 🔍 Content search (through channels, applications, files)
It's important to understand that on Xiaomi Main Menu TVs, it's not the same as Settings, the first one is for quick access to features, and the second one is for deep customization. For example, to change the screen resolution, you need to go to Settings. → Display, not look for it in the main menu.
On new models (e.g. Mi) TV Q2 2026) Main Menu is responsive: it adapts to the features you often use. If you constantly switch between Netflix and YouTube, these apps can appear at the top of the menu automatically.
Where is Main Menu on Xiaomi smartphones (MIUI)
On Xiaomi smartphones (Redmi, Poco, Mi series), the term Main Menu can mean two different concepts:
- The standard app menu is a list of all installed programs that opens upwards from the bottom of the screen (analogue App Drawer in pure Android).
- Hidden Engineering Menu is a service section for testing hardware components (available via ##4636## or special applications).
In most cases, users have the first option in mind. MIUI 14/15 Application menu can be configured:
- 📂 Sorting (by alphabet, installation date, frequency of use)
- 🔍 Search (including search for application content)
- 📌 Frequently used programs at the top
- 🖼️ Changing icons (through themes or manually)
As for the Engineering Mode, it is often confused with Main Menu because of the similar name in some firmware.This section is for diagnostics and may contain dangerous options such as camera testing, sensor checking or battery calibration. It is not recommended to change the settings here without understanding the consequences!
What is the danger of an engineering menu?
How to Open Hidden Main Menu on Xiaomi (For Power Users)
Some Xiaomi devices (especially older models or developer firmware) have a hidden Main Menu that contains advanced system settings, which can be accessed in several ways:
| Method | Description | Suitable devices |
|---|---|---|
| Code ##3644633## | Opens the hardware component testing menu (similar to Engineering Mode) | Redmi Note 8/9/10, Mi 9/10/11 |
| MTK Engineering Mode application | For devices running MediaTek processors (requires root rights on new versions) MIUI) | Poco X3, Redmi 9A, Mi A3 |
| ADB-team | Adb shell am start team -n com.android.settings/.DevelopmentSettings | All devices with debugging enabled USB |
| Special gestures | On some firmware: hold the power button + volume increase of 10 seconds | Mi Mix 2S, Mi 8 Explorer |
⚠️ Note: Using hidden menus can cause a warranty to be lost or the device to fail. For example, in the Hardware Testing section, there is an Auto Test option that, if used improperly, can cause the processor to overheat.
If you just need to set up your smartphone, the standard Settings menu is enough. Hidden sections are only relevant for:
- 🛠️ Diagnostics of malfunctions (for example, checking the display for broken pixels).
- 📡 Network settings (change of bandwidths) LTE, if the operator does not catch the network).
- 🔧 Unlock additional features (e.g., enable VoLTE on uncertified firmware).
Do not change the parameters if you do not know their purpose.|
Make a backup copy of the data before entering|
Do not use the options associated with IMEI modem|
Check the compatibility of the commands with your model-->
Main Menu in smart watches and fitness bracelets Xiaomi (Mi Band, Watch)
On wearable devices Xiaomi (Mi Band) 7/8, Xiaomi Watch S3, Redmi Watch 3) Main Menu usually refers to the main screen with fast options, which is opened by swiping up or clicking a physical button (if any:
- 🏃 Training regimes (running, cycling, swimming, etc.)
- ❤️ Health monitoring (pulse, SpO₂, stress)
- 📱 Notifications (incoming calls, messages)
- 🌙 Display settings (brightness, backlight time)
- 🔋 Battery status (charge percentage, energy saving mode)
On the Mi Band, the main menu is limited due to the small screen, while on the Xiaomi Watch, the main menu is limited. S3 It is more extensive and supports:
- 🎵 Managing music on a smartphone.
- 📸 Remote camera shutter.
- 🔍 Searching for a phone by signal.
⚠️ Note: Some smartwatch firmware (Zepp) OS) There is a bug: if you flip through Main Menu too quickly, the device can freeze. In this case, only a reboot will help (hold the power button 10).+ seconds).
To customize the display items in the main menu, use the official Mi Fitness or Zepp Life app (depending on the model).
- Reorder the menu items.
- Hide unnecessary options (for example, Rowing mode, if you do not use it).
- Add shortcuts for quick access (such as a timer or alarm clock).
The difference between Main Menu and Quick Settings on Xiaomi
Many users confuse Main Menu with the Quick Settings panel, which opens with a swipe from top to bottom.
| Characteristics | Main Menu | Quick Settings |
|---|---|---|
| Discovery | The button on the remote (TV) / Swipe up (smartphone) / button on the clock | Swipe from top to bottom (on smartphones and some watches) |
| Appointment | Managing applications, signal sources, basic functions | Quick access to frequently used settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, brightness) |
| Customization | Restricted (you can change the order of items, but not their contents) | Flexible (you can add/remove switches, change their order) |
| Depth of settings | Surface (fast action) | Medium (some options lead to the "Settings" section) |
For example, on a Xiaomi smartphone in Quick Settings, you can turn on Airplane Mode or Flashlight, whereas in Main Menu (app menu) you choose which program to run. TV The difference is even more noticeable: Main Menu is a list of channels and sources, and Quick Settings is a panel with volume and brightness adjustments.
Interesting fact: on some firmware MIUI You can combine these two menus:
- Go to Settings. → Home, lockdown and wallpaper.
- Choose the Home Screen Style.
- Activate the Control Panel option in the application menu.
After that, the swipe up will open a combined menu with apps and quick settings.
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If your Xiaomi smartphone has lost a swipe to open Main Menu (application menu), check the gesture settings in the Settings section. → Display. → Full screen mode. Sometimes this gesture turns off after the update. MIUI.
Main Menu issues on Xiaomi and their solutions
Users of Xiaomi devices often face difficulties when working with Main Menu, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:
- 🔄 Menu not opening: On Mi TV: Check the batteries in the remote or connect the Bluetooth remote via the Mi Remote app. On your smartphone: reboot the device or reset your gesture settings in Settings → Display.
- ⚙️ No Menu Items: On TV: Update the firmware through Settings → About the device → On the clock: check firmware compatibility with the model in the Zepp Life app.
- 📱 App menu lags: Clear the Launcher app cache in Settings → Annexes → Application management. Turn off animation in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → Additional settings → Windows animation (select "No animations").
- 🔒 Hidden menu blocked: On new devices (Xiaomi) 13/14) The engineering menu can be disabled. Try using it. ADB. On PatchWall TVs, some options are hidden for European regions (resolved by changing the region to "India" in the settings).
If the problem persists, check:
- Update the firmware (update through Settings) → About the device).
- System File Integrity (C) Settings → Annexes → System verification).
- Root rights or modified firmware (they may block access to some menus).
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Before resetting your TV or smartphone Xiaomi via Main Menu, always back up your data. On TVs, you can do this in the Settings section. → Accounts and backups, on smartphones – through Settings → The phone. → Backup.
How to set up Main Menu for yourself: tips and life hacks
The standard Main Menu on Xiaomi devices can be adapted to suit your needs. Here are some useful tips:
For Mi TV/Redmi TV:
- 📌 Switch your favorite apps: Hold the button OK on the remote on the desired application in Main Menu to fix it at the top.
- 🔍 Set up search: in Settings → Smart functions → Search can be added sources (e.g. YouTube or local files).
- 🎮 Activate Game Mode: Select Game Mode in Main Menu → Settings → Low latency to reduce lag when connecting the console.
For Xiaomi smartphones:
- 📂 Sort applications: in the application menu tap on three points → Sorting → Select by alphabet or frequency of use.
- 🔐 Hiding applications: Use App Vault (in some firmware) or folders for unnecessary programs.
- 🎨 Change icons: Download theme from the Theme or use launchers like Nova Launcher.
For the Mi smartwatch Band/Xiaomi Watch:
- ⏱️ Quick timer access: in the Zepp Life app add a timer shortcut to Main Menu.
- ❤️ Sleep monitoring: activate the Smart alarm in your sleep settings.
- 🔋 Battery savings: Turn off unnecessary notifications in Settings → Notifications.
⚠️ Note: On smartphones with MIUI It is not recommended to use third-party launchers to change Main Menu if you use Second Space (second desktop) or App Lock (app lock) functions.
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On Xiaomi TVs, you can create your own Main Menu with your favorite apps. To do this, hold the Home button on the remote for 2 seconds, then select Change and drag the desired icons to the top panel.